The air was thick with the electric hum of anticipation. With the Oaks and the Derby looming on the horizon, the racing world had ears for little else. Speculation and debates swirled through the crowds like a gale: Would Narita Brian, the reigning Satsuki Sho champion, claim the throne? Could Sakura Laurel, who had nearly overtaken her in a heart-pounding final stretch, close the gap this time? Or perhaps Offside Trap would seize the moment? Then there were the queens of the turf—Dragoon Lance, fresh off her victory in the Oka Sho, the legendary Oguri Roman, and the formidable Hishi Amazon.
Yet, amidst the feverish predictions of pundits and fans, another headline was beginning to set the public ablaze.
"Mejiro Rampage and Team Pleiades: A Rookie Takes Flight"
"The Tyrant's Apprentice: What Has the Dictator Taught?"
"A Question of Command: Does the Tyrant Possess a Trainer's Touch?"
"Mayano Top Gun: Will She Live Up to the Name?"
The spotlight had shifted to Team Pleiades' newest member, Mayano. While Rampage's own reputation preceded him, the public was captivated by his meteoric rise; in only his second year, he had already ascended to the position of lead trainer, overseeing a stable of eleven young talents. The media had already dubbed them "Rampage's Children," eyeing them as the vanguard of the next generation.
However, a cynical undercurrent remained. The old adage—that a legendary player rarely makes a legendary coach—fueled deep-seated doubts about his true ability. Consequently, Mayano's debut had transformed into something far more significant than a mere race; it was a trial of Rampage's legacy.
"So, there it is, Mayano," Rampage said, leaning back in the clubroom. "The plan stands. You'll be making your debut in June."
Mayano's eyes widened, her entire face lighting up. "Does that mean—I actually passed your test, Rampage-san?!"
"YES. You worked hard for it."
"Yessss! I did it!" she cheered, throwing her hands up in pure, unadulterated joy.
Rampage watched her, a small smile tugging at his lips. He had always intended for an early debut to get her the experience she needed, but he had been prepared to delay if her form wasn't perfect. However, Mayano was a true genius; she had evolved with a speed that defied even his expectations.
"Your debut will be the 2000-meter Turf," Rampage continued. "I considered something shorter to start, but your talent lies in the mid-to-long distances. It's a bit of a stretch for a first run, but can you handle it?"
Mayano puffed out her chest, her spirit undaunted. "Don't ask me if I can handle it! Just tell me to go! I'm a racer—I just want to run!"
"Heh, plenty of fire in you. Well, I should warn you before we get started—"
"I know, I know! It's okay!" Mayano interrupted, her expression softening into something uncharacteristically serious. "I'm one of your girls now, Rampage-san. I'm going to give it everything I've got!"
Rampage paused. He had intended to give her a stern lecture on the gravity of the situation, but it seemed she already understood. She knew exactly what her debut meant to the world—and to him.
"I'm sorry," he sighed, his voice dropping. "The world is making a lot of noise just because you're my lead runner. I'm sure those self-proclaimed 'experts' will be wagging their tongues about my 'talent' as a trainer for weeks to come…"
"It's fine! I'll work twice as hard!" Mayano insisted. "If there's a strong wind blowing against us, we just have to charge through and slice it apart! Besides, my Papa always said that if you know how to use it, a headwind can become a tailwind that pushes you forward. That's what I'm going to do."
Rampage let out a short, appreciative laugh. "Straight from the pilot's mouth, eh? Those are some reliable words to live by."
"Hehe, right?!" she beamed, her chest swelling with pride.
She looked so small and triumphant that Rampage couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her hair. Despite her constant claims of wanting to be a "sophisticated adult lady," she let out a soft, contented "ehehe~" at the touch, her tail wagging with a rhythmic, innocent charm that betrayed her youth.
"Well then, since we're here, shall we start looking at designs for your racing silks?"
"Already?! Really?!"
"I've had them in mind for a while. Given the distance, the Hopeful Stakes seems like a reasonable goal... assuming you're aiming for the top?"
"Of course! You really get me, Rampage-san! I wish my teachers at school understood me as well as you do~!"
Rampage winced slightly. He recalled several occasions where Mayano's teachers had approached him in despair. "Mayano-san's grades are excellent, but she falls asleep in every lecture because she's bored... but then when I call on her, she gets every answer right! What do I do?" Rampage could never offer much more than a stern, "Make sure you pay attention in class."
Surprisingly, it seemed to work. Mayano had started making an effort to stay awake, if only for his sake.
"Because... I'd hate it if I caused trouble for Rampage-san..."
It was a sweet, almost painfully cute reason. Her classroom behavior hadn't improved entirely, but the nap sessions had certainly decreased.
"Oh, that reminds me!" Mayano said, her tone shifting. "I went to see my old trainer the other day."
Rampage's expression grew somber. "The 'Trainer-chan' you mentioned... your former mentor?"
"Yeah. He looks like he's doing okay, but he still has a long way to go with his rehab."
The man had been involved in a serious accident, but hearing that he was on the mend brought a small sense of relief to Rampage.
"And? Did you two talk?"
"Mhm! He said he was so relieved to hear I was finally making my debut in the Twinkle Series. He told me to tell you: 'Please look after Mayano for me.'"
Rampage went quiet for a moment. "He didn't need to tell me that... but he's a good man."
"Yeah! He used to take me out on dates all the time!"
Rampage felt a surge of resolve. He knew that, under different circumstances, that man would have given anything to be the one standing by Mayano's side, testing the limits of her genius. To receive his blessing and his trust was a heavy mantle.
"Mayano, don't worry about what the public says about me. You just run the way you want to run. If those idiots keep making noise, I'll be the one to shut them up. There's only one rule for your race."
"'Run it to the end,' right? Don't worry, Rampage-san. I'll always come back to you!"
"That's the spirit. Now then—let's go scout some of your future rivals."
As Rampage turned to walk away, Mayano naturally reached out and took his hand, falling into step beside him. To any onlooker, they might have looked like father and daughter, or perhaps siblings. It was a bright, heart-warming scene of mutual trust—until Rampage suddenly froze.
"...?!"
"What's wrong, Rampage-san?"
"I... I feel a presence. A sudden surge of dark energy from behind us..."
Several yards back, hidden in the shadows, a figure crouched, frantically stuffing tissues into their nose to stem a violent nosebleed while watching the two of them with terrifying intensity.
"That was close... if I don't hide this nosebleed, they'll spot me... focus... stay hidden..."
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